Forum: How does the Supreme Court view women?

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HIGHLAND MILLS — In the quiet days of summer, the U.S. Supreme Court issued two rulings that make it harder for women to exercise their right to choose.

The Orange County Democratic Women will lead a discussion about these and other recent decisions, and what they signify for women's reproductive rights, at a forum to be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 10, at Palaia Vineyard Winery, located at 10 Sweet Clover Road and Route 32 in Highland Mills.

In June, the Supreme Court struck down a Massachusetts abortion clinic "buffer zone" law. In the past, protesters were required to stay 35 feet away from reproductive health care clinic entrances. This decision rolls back a policy that protected women from harassment and intimidation by abortion opponents.

In July, the Supreme Court ruled on two cases that challenged whether employers must provide health insurance that covers birth control pills. This decision strikes down part of the Affordable Health Care Act that required such coverage and opens the door for other corporations to opt out of the law based on religious freedom. Known as "the Hobby Lobby decision," the rights of retailers and employers take precedence.

Elizabeth Hunter, a partner at Frumkin and Hunter Law, will speak at the forum. She represents both employees and employers, with a focus on employment discrimination, harassment and retaliation. She has represented clients in all phases of employment and employee benefits matters, including assisting with successful appeals at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and the New York Appellate Division.

Another guest speaker, Christine Sadowski, is the executive director of the YWCA Orange County. She spent her career as an advocate for women and minorities. At the YWCA, she develops and oversees programs aimed at ending racism and empowering women. Her recent advocacy work includes extensive organizing and lobbying to pass the Women's Equality Agenda.